Kane tax bills: Easier on eyes, harder on wallet

April 19, 2006|By William Presecky, Tribune staff reporter.

It may be small consolation, but some Kane County property owners who see larger-than-expected increases in their real-estate tax bills coming later this month should find it easier to figure out why, according to the county's treasurer.

David Rickert said the format of the 2005 property tax bills, payable in equal installments by June 1 and Sept. 1, has "some fairly significant changes" from last year, including larger type and a streamlined summary box that lists every element and mathematical computation used to calculate each bill.

"They may not like what they see there, but they are going to understand it a lot better," Rickert said.

In fact, Rickert forecast "some unpleasant surprises for homeowners" in their bills.

"Certain high-growth areas are going to see significant increases in their taxes, where the assessed valuation has been pushed up significantly," Rickert said.

Using his own tax bill as an example, Rickert said the annual increases of $200 to $400 he has seen in recent years on his "modest home in Elgin" pale by comparison to the increase he expects to see this year.

Rickert said the assessment on his home went up about 7 percent "and then you factor in the [tax] rate increase too, you're looking at my $4,600 bill going up about $800 or $900."